An EPIC Self Drive Namibia-Botswana-Victoria Falls Itinerary Advisory
A self-drive adventure through Namibia, Botswana, and to Victoria Falls typically involves a vehicle rental, often a 4×4, and an itinerary that starts in Windhoek, Namibia, moves through its desert landscapes and wildlife parks like Etosha, crosses into Botswana via the Zambezi region to visit Chobe National Park, and culminates at the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Key attractions include the Sossusvlei dunes, Swakopmund, Etosha’s wildlife, the Okavango Delta’s unique environment, the Chobe Riverfront, and the spectacular Victoria Falls. Ensure your car rental allows you to travel to other countries, as you’ll need a letter of authority at border crossings.
Each day is a focal point on this self-drive expedition in Namibia and Botswana: behold the expanse of sand dunes at Sossusvlei, inhale the invigorating ocean breeze in Swakopmund, observe rhinos at a waterhole in Etosha, and encounter the verdant landscapes of Namibia in the Zambezi Region. Chobe National Park, renowned globally, offers extensive elephant herds and tranquil boat excursions on the Chobe River. The conclusion of your journey will be marked by a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Throughout the journey, you will reside in curated guesthouses, lodges, and camps, experiencing the warmth of Southern Africa.
Self drive Namibia-Botswana-Victoria Falls Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Windhoek, Namibia
Distance approx. 50 km; driving time approx. 1 hour - Day 2: Windhoek – Namib Desert, Namibia
Distance approx. 300 km; driving time approx. 4-5 hours - Day 3: Sossusvlei, Namibia
Distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 3 hours - Day 4 – 5: Namib Desert – Swakopmund, Namibia
Distance on day 4: approx. 370 km; driving time approx. 5-6 hours - Day 6: Swakopmund – Ugab Valley, Namibia
Distance approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 5-6 hours - Day 7: Ugab Valley – Etosha National Park, Namibia
Distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3 hours (excl. game drives) - Day 8: Etosha National Park, Namibia
Distance and driving time; depends on the route chosen on game drive - Day 9 – 10: Etosha Area – Kavango Region, Namibia
Distance on day 9: approx. 590 km; driving time approx. 7 hours - Day 11 – 12: Kavango Region – Zambezi Region, Namibia
Distance on day 11: approx. 280 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours - Day 13 – 14: Zambezi Region, Namibia – Kasane – Chobe National Park, Botswana
Distance on day 13: approx. 260 km; driving time approx. 3-4 hours - Day 15: Kasane, Botswana – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Transfer Kasane – Victoria Falls; driving time approx. 2 hours - Day 16: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Transfer Victoria Falls – Victoria Falls Airport; driving time approx. 30 minutes